Please direct any certification-related questions to certification@tmcec.com.
Clerk Certification Study Guides
Municipal Court Guide, Level I – 13th Edition (2022-2023)
The Level I Study Guide provides an introduction to municipal court procedures and processes.
Municipal Court Guide, Level II – 13th Edition (2022-2023)
The Level II Study Guide provides a more in depth look to help gain understanding about municipal court procedures and processes.
Clerk Certification Flash Cards – TO BE ANNOUNCED
Additional study materials can be found here.
Prep Sessions
TMCEC no longer hosts prep sessions prior to regional seminars. Texas Court Clerks Association has committed to hosting certification prep sessions in local chapter areas throughout the academic year.
To find a listing of the AY 24 prep sessions, click here.
For more information contact Tammy Odom at todom@texascitytx.gov.
Level I: Steps to obtain your official status of Certified Court Clerk I (CCCI)
Certification applications must be filed with the TMCEC Program Coordinator within 3 years of passing test date and must include the following:
Step 1:
Study and register for the exam. The Level I exam is taken in 3 parts. Participants must score 70% or above on each part to receive a passing grade. All parts of the Level I exam must be taken and passed at the same time. Passing the exam is only the 1st step in achieving Level I. Subjects on each part of the Level I exam are listed below (found in the Municipal Court Guide Level I).
| Level I Exam Part A | Level I Exam Part B | Level I Exam Part C |
| An Overview of the Courts | Charging and Pre-Trial | State and City Reports |
| Role of the Clerk | Trial Processes and Procedures | Traffic Law |
| Court Ethics | Post-Trial Processes | Professionalism and Communication |
Step 2:
Participants must provide proof of 40 hours of approved education as a part of the application process. Education is approved annually by the Texas Court Clerks Association Education Committee. Standing providers include courses through TMCEC, TCCA (state or local chapter), and TMCA. Education from alternate providers may include hours from TCAT, TML, NACM, ICM, GCAT, OCA, and GFOAT (if approved).
IMPORTANT: The 32-hour New Clerks Seminar is a requirement for clerks applying for their Level I Certification. If a clerk has taken New Clerks before and is not eligible to attend again, we will re-evaluate the requirement on an individual basis.
Online education (education achieved via online sources – not in person) from TMCEC online learning center such as webinars MAY NOT exceed 8 hours of the total hours submitted, therefore a minimum of 32 hours must be completed in person.
Education may only be used for 3 years and for the purposes of the certification program shall be considered expired on the 3rd anniversary of the certificate date. Any education provided as a part of the application process may be denied if found to be expired at the time of the application. Education hours MAY BE REUSED when applying for Level II certification if the hours have not expired.
Step 3:
Once your application has been approved, your status will be updated on your TMCEC personal profile with the date it was approved and effective. New certifications are submitted to TCCA for the creation and mailing of your official certificate. You may begin using the the post nominal initials of CCCI behind your signature on your TMCEC effective date.
Level II: Steps to obtain your official status of Certified Court Clerk II (CCCII)
Certification applications must be filed with the TMCEC Program Coordinator within 3 years of passing test date and must include the following:
Step 1:
Study and register for the exam. The Level II exam is take in 3 parts. Participants must score 70% or above on each part to receive a passing grade. Unlike Level I, the Level II exam MAY be taken in parts. Passing the exam is only the 1st step in achieving Level II. Subjects on each part of the Level II exam are listed below (found in the Municipal Court Guide Level II).
| Level II Exam Part A | Level II Exam Part B | Level II Exam Part C |
| Rights and Roles | Applying Criminal Codes | Children & Minors |
| Municipal Court Processes | Bond Forfeitures | Financial Management |
| Legal Research | Technology Fundamentals | Court Records |
Step 2:
Participants must provide proof of 40 hours of approved education as a part of the application process. Education is approved annually by the Texas Court Clerks Association Education Committee. Standing providers include courses through TMCEC, TCCA (state or local chapter), and TMCA. Education from alternate providers MAY include hours from TCAT, TML, NACM, ICM, GCAT, OCA, and GFOAT (if approved).
Online education (education achieved via online sources – not in person) from TMCEC online learning center such as archived webinars MAY NOT exceed 8 hours of the total hours submitted, therefore a minimum of 32 hours must be completed in person.
Education may only be used for 3 years and for the purposes of the certification program shall be considered expired on the 3rd anniversary of the certificate date. Any education provided as a part of the application process may be denied if found to be expired at the time of the application. Education hours MAY BE REUSED when applying for Level II certification if the hours have not expired.
Step 3:
Once your application has been approved, your status will be updated on your TMCEC personal profile with the date it was approved and effective. New certifications are submitted to TCCA for the creation and mailing of your official certificate. You may begin using the the post nominal initials of CCCII behind your signature on your TMCEC effective date.